China Bans Hollywood Movies to Protect its Own Industry

China has banned Hollywood films, at least until February and possibly until May, over a trade row with the United States and because American movies are proving too successful and hitting box office for local films. Chinese authorities are also said to be miffed over the US’s continued arms sales to Taiwan.

The film bureau said it had not heard of any ban: “There’s no such thing. We’ve never heard anything about this,” a spokesman said, but industry sources say the order to stop Hollywood movies, which are very popular in China, came from high up, possibly from the propaganda ministry. [Full text]